In My Time

Summary: Thank you Marauder by Midnight for the banner Isabella Marie Swan and Edward Anthony Mason were just sixteen and seventeen before they met, their destinies never seeming to cross paths. Living in the very outskirts of Chicago, Bella doesn’t want to be married as quickly as society wants. Edward wants to help assist President Wilson by fighting in the World War. Plans seemed to all change when, unexpectedly, with one little spark, a fire seemed to ignite the both of them. Through troubles beyond comprehension, the times of properness and society, influenza on the rise, and abhorrent losses- perhaps even their own deaths, the two of them must concur them all. But can they? A love story to the fullest-but of course, even the best love stories have tragedy and losses nestled inside. (2nd most favorite on the site! Thanks guys! Also-In My Time was on display in Waterstones Bookstore, located in Oxford,United Kingdom for a twilight event)

Notes:
- alright, I have a VERY good feeling about this story, and I am hoping you will too. Disclaimer- I own nothing, I just write fan fic, and I love doing it :)

7. Realization

“Bella dear, you're all red in the face.” My mother observed as I walked into the house, panting from running. I tried to walk as fast as I could without tripping downtown, but as soon as I was out of everyone’s sight, I ran home. Edward had insisted on accompanying me home, but I said no. I would probably have made a fool out of myself when I walked next to him.

“Am I?” I asked my voice even sounded dazed. I was still thinking about a few minutes ago, when Edward had…kissed me. It was so wonderful and scary at the same time. I wasn’t sure if I had wanted it to happen or not.

“Yes, dear you are. Bella, are you feeling alright? An illness of some sort has been going around in the surrounding towns.” My mother informed me. She walked over and put her hand to my forehead in concern, probably to feel if I had a fever.

“I’m fine, Mother. Really, I am.” I insisted. She looked as though she knew that something had happened other than me going downtown.

“Did you get a new book?” she asked as we both walked into the sitting room.

“No, I actually never got a chance to go in. Apparently I am the topic for gossip these days.” I admitted. I sat down in an arm chair, trying to look relaxed, and failing miserably.

“I’ve heard. Don’t worry, it won’t last for very long, dear.” She assured me.. Then her eyes were curious.

“If you didn’t go to the book store, where did you go?” she asked me. I bit my lip; I somehow knew this would come up.

“I…I went to the Mason’s.” I admitted. My mother’s eyes became full of excitement, and though she tried to hide it, her feelings were still plain on her features.

“What did you do there?” she asked me. I should have made a quieter entrance, perhaps then I could have skipped the interrogations, or at least put them off. I knew I couldn’t lie to her, and so I gave in.

“I spoke to Edward, that’s all.” I insisted, getting up and walking to the doorway.

“Isabella, come back here.” My mother ordered. I flinched, and turned around unwillingly to face her.

“You’re not telling me something.” She stated. Then Ms. Angela’s words came back to me ‘...you’re simply a bad liar, Bella’. I sighed in defeat.

“Edward had spoken to me a few days ago. You remember when he came by the house, don’t you?” I asked her before going on. She nodded, motioning for me to continue. It looked like she was going to implode from excitement.

“You directed him the right way, because he had met me by the river. He had told me that…he loved me.” I looked to my feet, as heat flooded to my face. Then I continued, not daring to meet her astonished gaze. “Today I wanted to know why he had said it. He explained why, and the he…kissed me.” I was now completely red, and my mother jumped up from the couch.

“What did I tell you, Charlie!” she called to him, “The boy loves her!” she exclaimed, she was practically jumping up and down.

I heard my father’s footsteps come towards me. “And how would you know such a thing?” my father asked. My mother then went into full detail, telling the story I had just told her. I quickly escaped the room while she wasn’t looking, and decided to go upstairs.

As I entered my room I hear my mother’s explanation to my father end with a joyful proclamation. “I knew it! There will be a wedding soon!” I then knew that I would be the center of gossip longer then my Mother had predicted.

I sat down on the edge of my bed, and then had made up my mind. I loved Edward, I had already known that. And I loved that he had kissed me back.

****

“Come on Bella! The fireworks are starting soon!” Angela laughed as we made our way around the dance floor and towards the lake.

It was the fourth of July, Independence Day. Our town always had a party for it. It was held by the lake, a few minutes out of downtown. It had to be outside, because the party had always included a dance floor, music, food, drinks, and fireworks.

“Alright, Ms. Angela! I’m trying my best without falling.” I laughed with her as we made our way through the crowd to the edge of the lake. The fireworks had always been spectacular if you see them by the lake.

“Did you see the look on Mr. Yorkie’s face when he saw you earlier?” Angela asked, whispering and laughing.

“He looked almost scared!” I nodded, chuckling.

“It’s probably because of Mr. Mason, ever since the ball Mr. Yorkie has stayed away from you. Perhaps he has heard the gossip as well.” Angela guessed.

“Probably, I doubt that not even one person hasn’t heard It yet.” I agreed.

Suddenly I recognized Collin Bennett walking towards us. “Hello Mr. Bennett.” I greeted him as he walked up to us.

“Hello Ms. Swan, Ms. Webber,” he paused, “Ms. Swan, we were just wondering.” He started.

“We?” I repeated.

“Leo and I.” he said quickly. Obviously I should have known that Leo Williams would be involved with whatever Collin Bennett was planning. I was curious to see what crazy stunt they would do this time, and I sincerely hoped didn't involve me. Those two boys would be even sneakier if it weren’t for Edward.

“We were just wondering if you had any idea why Edward is so nervous.” He said.

I shook my head, “I haven’t seen him. And why would he be nervous?” I thought out loud.

“Well, we have a hunch, Ms. Swan.” Collin said.

“Would you care to tell me what that is, Mr. Bennett?” I asked him.

“We can’t, Ms. Swan. Not unless we know that it is true.” He said.

“I’m sorry I could not have been of help.” I said to him.

“It is no problem. Please, carry on with your evening.” He insisted, walking towards Leo, who was talking to Ms. Mallory.

“That was very odd.” Angela said, curiosity and apprehension apparent in her voice.

I turned to look at her. “Very much so.” I agreed, curious as well.

“Whatever it is that they are up too, it includes you and Edward.” She warned me.

“That was what I was afraid of.” I said, looking now to where the two boys were.

I pondered what they could have meant, looking into the small waves of the lake. Then the truth began to dawn on me.

“You don’t think…?” Angela asked as I looked up at her. It looked as though she had gotten the same idea I had.

I nodded and bit my lip. “Yes, that is exactly what I think.” I said to her. There would be only one reason why Edward was nervous, and why Collin and Leo had asked me. Edward was going to propose, and it was going to be tonight. But it couldn't be true, could it? Surely not...

“Bella, this is wonderful!” Angela exclaimed.

“Is it?” I asked, unsure.

“Yes,” she rolled her eyes. “it is. Stop denying that you want him, Ms. Bella.” She snapped. I let out a shaky laugh as I turned to where my mother was standing. She was across from me, by most of the other mothers. They were probably gossiping, as usual.

Then almost telepathically she looked to me. As soon as she saw my nervous expression, her eyes got big. She had figured it out, probably because Edward had already come to my father for permission.

I nodded once, turning away. “Oh, Bella.” Angela said, “Your mother-”

“-Is spreading more gossip and news to everyone else. Yes, I have realized.” I said, grimacing in their direction.

Angela patted me on the shoulder, “It will be over soon enough..” She promised.